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A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source of the side's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.